W
WebmasterAlex
Guest
Went to the most incredible game tonite..
Michelle Akers of U.S. Women's team fame has not played in a game since August of 2000 due to chronic fatigue syndrome and some injuries. The owner of the Boston Breakers women's profesional soccer team invited her to come back for one last fare well game. Her goal was to be able to play 30 minutes. The opposing team was the Washington Freedom featuring her old teammate Mia Hamn.
Michelle started the game in midfield and was moving like her old self. While she didn't get any shots on goal she did get some touch's and some of the old magic was definitely there.
She managed to beat her goal and played the whole 45 minute half.
At half time both teams stayed on the field, the younger players sitting on the sidelines and Michelle was joined at the microphone by some members of her old US team, Mia Hamn, Kristine Lilly of the Boston Breakers and Carla Overbeck, now a defender for the Carolina Courage. It realy wasn't very profesional but the emotion was incredible. The younger players, many of whom grew up with these women as their hero's were just in awe. I don't think there was a dry eye on that field.
Michelle came out at the half and spent the rest of the game sitting on the side lines with ice packs on! Playing had taken it's toll. Just to make the evening complete the only goal of the game was scored in the second half by her old team mate Kristine Lilly.
After the game they do a very nice thing..they have "autograph alley" where the kids can get player's autographs. DD was able to get her shirt (number 13 Kristine Lilly of course!) signed by 3 Breakers and 1 Freedom player, she was SO excited.
Truthfully it wasn't the best soccer match I have ever seen, but in terms of emotion this had to be one of the best games ever!
Michelle Akers of U.S. Women's team fame has not played in a game since August of 2000 due to chronic fatigue syndrome and some injuries. The owner of the Boston Breakers women's profesional soccer team invited her to come back for one last fare well game. Her goal was to be able to play 30 minutes. The opposing team was the Washington Freedom featuring her old teammate Mia Hamn.
Michelle started the game in midfield and was moving like her old self. While she didn't get any shots on goal she did get some touch's and some of the old magic was definitely there.
She managed to beat her goal and played the whole 45 minute half.
At half time both teams stayed on the field, the younger players sitting on the sidelines and Michelle was joined at the microphone by some members of her old US team, Mia Hamn, Kristine Lilly of the Boston Breakers and Carla Overbeck, now a defender for the Carolina Courage. It realy wasn't very profesional but the emotion was incredible. The younger players, many of whom grew up with these women as their hero's were just in awe. I don't think there was a dry eye on that field.
Michelle came out at the half and spent the rest of the game sitting on the side lines with ice packs on! Playing had taken it's toll. Just to make the evening complete the only goal of the game was scored in the second half by her old team mate Kristine Lilly.
After the game they do a very nice thing..they have "autograph alley" where the kids can get player's autographs. DD was able to get her shirt (number 13 Kristine Lilly of course!) signed by 3 Breakers and 1 Freedom player, she was SO excited.
Truthfully it wasn't the best soccer match I have ever seen, but in terms of emotion this had to be one of the best games ever!
